Odisha Follows SC Directive, Enforces Ban On Tobacco-Nicotine Products

Bhubaneswar, Jan 22: In compliance with the directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and in the interest of public health, the Odisha government has imposed a complete ban on the production, preparation, packaging, storage, transportation, trade, and sale of gutkha, pan masala, zarda, khaini, and all food products containing tobacco or nicotine across the state.The prohibition has been enforced under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011, Section 2.3.4.The step has also been taken in line with guidelines issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).Officials emphasized that tobacco and nicotine-based products are extremely harmful, causing cancers of the mouth, throat, and internal organs, and pose a serious risk especially to children and youth. The ban has therefore been introduced in the larger interest of public health